Should you Google before the first date?

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

According to It's Just Lunch, a professional match making service in Chicago, close to 50% of singles have Googled before a first date. This may seem like a lot, but obviously many have given into temptation at one time or another.

Think about it. You are mentally preparing for a first date with a new man as you sit with your coffee on a Saturday morning. Maybe he is a blind date or maybe a guy you met at the bus stop or the grocery store. Regardless, curiosity takes over and you feel the need to find out more about this man and you are left with the dilemma- to Google or not to Google?

The great thing about Google is that you may find out that the new man didn't chop his last date into little pieces, which is especially great if this is a blind date from the Internet. You might also find he is a hero and, in some case, you may find nothing interesting at all. All of this puts your mind at ease, calms the nerves and you can go on about your day.

The bad thing is that something not so flattering might come up in your search. Maybe he pulled a really raunchy prank in college or has been arrested. You may even find unpleasing comments about how he badly treated past dates. All of this can cause you to make assumptions about the new man which may very well ruin the date before it has even started.

Obviously Google can be friend or foe. So if you find that you cannot resist the urge, there are a few things you should try to keep in mind.

1. Everyone has a past. There are probably some pretty unflattering things in your past, right? Most people learn from mistakes, so maybe he has too. Maybe the things you are finding out are things he would probably tell you when the time is right and when you know him a little better.
2. People share the same name. Just because the John Smith you find has committed intolerable acts, does not mean it is the same John Smith you are about to meet.
3. The Internet cannot be controlled. With various social sites, it is really easy for people to post unflattering comments or pictures about others. This also ties into the fact that he has a past, which might include a bitter ex-girlfriend.
4. Just because you find bad things about him does not mean there isn't anything good about him and vice versa. He may have been arrested a couple of times, but that doesn't mean he isn't a great guy (granted it depends on what he is arrested for and how recent it was). Likewise, just because he rescued a baby from a burning building does not mean he is the noblest of all men.
5. This is only the first date. You have to truly get to know a guy before you know what you want from him. Chances are you might not even want to pursue him after the date. Pumping your head full off too much information can only confuse you. Why give yourself anymore frustration then is necessary?
6. Always get the facts straight from the horse's mouth. If he is not the one telling you the story, he does not have a chance to really explain or defend himself. Important parts might be left out, parts that might be in his favor.